The Improv Bandits first show of the 2019 New Zealand International Comedy Festival opened with plenty of enthusiasm and laughs to go around. As part of the Auckland comedy scene for the past 20+ years, they have a solid grounding – the show began with energy and candour as the Bandits engaged with the crowd early on.

Arguably one of the more challenging comedy approaches, improv has its fair share of challenges, and the Improv Bandits did not disappoint with their quick-thinking and cohesive stage persona. Part of what fuels improv is audience interaction, and here they excelled; Although I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t filled with mild terror when they approached the back row near where we were seated, in pursuits of audience input, I’ll pass on that, thank you.

We enjoyed a showcase of stand-up variety classics in Who’s Line is it Anyway style, with the teams’ dynamic and cohesive rapport. They were quickly to take queue from one another’s’ prompts, and managed to keep the flow going for a solid 1 hour of entertainment. Although a little predictable at times, The Bandits utilised common improv tropes, exaggeration of crowd-supplied anecdotes and many a pun – the borderline wholesome experience was well-worth braving the frigid winter weather for the hour of hilarity.

3.5/5 Stars

The Improv Bandits perform at the Herald Theatre as part of the 2019 NZ International Comedy Festival from 2 – 26 May. For more infomation about their scheduled shows as well as the Festival head to the Comedy Fest website!

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